Instead of going to a sunny baseball game, sitting by the pool or throwing a Frisbee with their friends, some students chose to attend the Miracles of Music benefit concert Sunday in the Student Center Ballroom.
Although attendance was not high, Aubie was present to cheer up the shy crowd.
The concert was for the benefit of the Children's Miracle Network and local music initiatives Rebecca Hart, Miss Auburn University 2010 hosted the event.
This was the fist event Hart coordinated as Miss Auburn University. Hart said planning her first event since being crowned was stressful, but rewarding.
"First we had to find a location, and this wonderful building was a great place that was able to accommodate us," Hart said. "We really tried to get a variety of performers, just to have different aspects of music--not only my passion for the piano, but also vocalists and dancers."
Hart, sophomore in communication disorders, won her title on a platform of music education. Between acts at the concert, Hart spoke about her belief in the three E's (education, enrichment and enhancement) to boost music programs.
Six different acts performed, including the AU Rhythm Dance Troupe, with most performing twice.
Ben Whitlow, junior in marketing, sang two songs and strummed his guitar to another.
He said he has been able to perform for many years because of music programs in his school.
"It's really important to give back, and I got my start because my dad really liked music," Whitlow said. "Once you get older, it's fun to play music and see it spark kids' interests."
Hart said the money raised would go to wherever the most need in the community was.
"Hopefully it will go through the Boys and Girls Club," Hart said. "Anyway they need it the most to further that educational program."
Hart performed twice in the program, playing "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music and Swan Lake.
She said music has always been an important part of her life and shaped her personally.
"One thing that I really think is neat about it is it's not my major, and it's not something that I'm going to pursue as a career," Hart said. "It's just amazing to have that opportunity to give back, go into children's lives through the Boys and Girls Clubs and through school systems to share that love. Hopefully I develop that in them, and then they can have that passion and share it with others."
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